What does declarative mean?
Declarative is primarily an adjective used in grammar to describe sentences that state facts or opinions — such as "The meeting starts at noon" — in contrast to interrogative sentences, which ask questions, and imperative ones, which give commands. Because statements form the backbone of ordinary communication, the declarative is often described as the default mode of English. Beyond grammar, the word conveys a sense of explicitness and authority: a declarative tone announces something plainly and confidently, without hedging. In psychology, "declarative memory" refers to facts and experiences we can consciously recall and articulate, while in computing a declarative language lets programmers specify what they want rather than how to compute it. Derived from Latin roots meaning to make clear, declarative is thus at heart a word about clarity — about saying exactly what you mean, out loud and on the record.
(Of a sentence, clause, or mood) making a statement rather than asking a question or giving a command.
""Dinner is ready" is a simple declarative sentence."
This is the most frequent sense of the word in modern usage.
Making something known, explicit, or formally announced.
"The treaty's declarative provisions set out each nation's commitments in plain terms."
A declarative sentence; a sentence that states a fact or opinion.
"The exercise asked students to convert each imperative into a declarative."
Usually found in linguistic and educational contexts.
(Computing) Describing a programming paradigm or language in which programs express what should be computed rather than how.
"SQL is a declarative language: you describe the data you want, not the algorithm to fetch it."
Every ordinary sentence you speak today — 'It's raining.' 'I'm hungry.' — was declarative: the quiet workhorse of English grammar, doing the stating while questions and commands get all the attention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of declarative
Declarative comes from Latin declarare, meaning "to make clear or plain," formed from de- (intensifying) plus clarare, from clarus, "clear." It entered English in the early modern period, with recorded use by the late 15th century, alongside related forms such as declare and declaration. Its grammatical sense — describing sentences that assert rather than ask or command — became established with the rise of formal linguistics. Cognates and relatives include declare, declaration, declamatory, and clarity, all tracing back to the same Latin root for brightness and clearness.
Related word forms
How declarative is actually used
Most common in technical contexts (grammar, linguistics, computer science) where it carries a precise meaning; in general prose it can also describe a firm, matter-of-fact manner of speaking.
Easily confused with declarative
"Declaratory" is the more formal legal term (as in a declaratory judgment), while "declarative" is the everyday and grammatical term.